U.S. patent application number 17/507042 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-10 for tree stand platform assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tethrd, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Tethrd LLC. Invention is credited to Gregory Alan Godfrey, Walter Ernest Power, II, Garrett Robert Prahl.
Application Number | 20220039372 17/507042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220039372 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Power, II; Walter Ernest ;
et al. |
February 10, 2022 |
TREE STAND PLATFORM ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A tree stand platform assembly includes a platform that has a
perimeter edge with a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge
and a second lateral edge. The platform has a top surface, a bottom
surface and an outer surface positioned between the top and bottom
surfaces. The front edge is configured to engage a tree. A
plurality of gripping protuberances is attached to and extends
outwardly from the outer surface of the rear edge. The gripping
protuberances are engageable by a user for stability when the user
rotates relative to the platform.
Inventors: |
Power, II; Walter Ernest;
(Carver, MN) ; Godfrey; Gregory Alan; (Richmond
Hill, GA) ; Prahl; Garrett Robert; (Brooklyn Park,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tethrd LLC |
Carver |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tethrd, LLC
Carver
MN
|
Appl. No.: |
17/507042 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17178319 |
Feb 18, 2021 |
11154048 |
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17507042 |
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17022756 |
Sep 16, 2020 |
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17178319 |
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16364979 |
Mar 26, 2019 |
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17022756 |
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International
Class: |
A01M 31/02 20060101
A01M031/02; F16B 2/00 20060101 F16B002/00; F16M 13/02 20060101
F16M013/02; F16B 2/08 20060101 F16B002/08 |
Claims
1. A support assembly for standing on by a person hunting from a
tree, the support assembly being configured to be removably
securable to a tree, the support assembly including: a platform
having a perimeter edge, the perimeter edge including a front edge,
a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the
platform having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer
surface facing outwardly from the platform and being positioned
between and extending between the top and bottom surfaces; and a
plurality of gripping protuberances being attached to and extending
outwardly away from the outer surface of the perimeter edge such
that each of the first and second lateral edges includes at least
one of the gripping protuberances, the gripping protuberances each
having at least a portion thereof positioned between a plane of a
perimeter edge of the top surface and a plane of a perimeter edge
of the bottom surface, wherein the gripping protuberances are
configured to be engaged by a user for stability when the user
rotates relative to the platform.
2. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second lateral edges each include: a front section abutting the
front edge; and a rear section abutting the rear edge, the rear
section including a toe receiver, the toe receiver being positioned
nearer to the rear edge than the front edge, the toe receiver
extending laterally away from a line extending through and
bisecting the front and rear edges to form a catch in the rear
section, the toe receiver being configured to engage a foot to
inhibit movement of the foot along the rear section and to the rear
edge.
3. The support assembly according to claim 1, further including at
least one of the gripping protuberances being attached to and
extending outwardly from the outer surface of the rear edge.
4. The support assembly according to claim 2, wherein the toe
receivers are formed by bends in the first and second lateral
edges.
5. The support assembly according to claim 4, wherein the bends of
the toe receivers each form angles being less than 160.degree..
6. The support assembly according to claim 1, the front edge has a
notch therein, the notch being configured to receive a post.
7. The support assembly according to claim 6, further including a
post being attached to the platform adjacent to the front edge, the
post extending upwardly from the platform, a cleat being attached
to the post adjacent to an upper end of the post, the cleat being
positioned on a front side of the post and being configured to
engage a surface of a tree, the post being pivotally coupled to the
platform and extending into the notch when the post is in a
vertical orientation extending upwardly from the platform.
8. A support assembly to physically support a person hunting from a
tree, the support assembly being configured to be removably
securable to a tree, the support assembly including: a platform
having a perimeter edge, the perimeter edge including a front edge,
a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the
platform having a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer
surface positioned between the top and bottom surfaces, the front
edge being configured to engage a tree; and a plurality of gripping
protuberances being attached to and extending outwardly from the
perimeter edge, at least one of the rear edge, the first lateral
edge, or the second lateral edge having at least one of the
gripping protuberances positioned thereon, the gripping
protuberances each having at least a portion thereof positioned
between a plane of a perimeter edge of the top surface and a plane
of a perimeter edge of the bottom surface, wherein the gripping
protuberances are configured to be engaged by a user for stability
when the user rotates relative to the platform.
9. The support assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first and
second lateral edges each include: a front section abutting the
front edge; and a rear section abutting the rear edge, the rear
section including a toe receiver, the toe receiver being positioned
nearer to the rear edge than the front edge, the toe receiver
extending laterally away from a line extending through and
bisecting the front and rear edges to form a catch in the rear
section, the toe receiver being configured to engage a foot to
inhibit movement of the foot along the rear section and to the rear
edge.
10. The support assembly according to claim 9, further including at
least one of the gripping protuberances being attached to and
extending outwardly from the outer surface of the rear edge.
11. The support assembly according to claim 9, further including at
least one of the gripping protuberances being attached to and
extending outwardly from the outer surface of the first lateral
edge and at least one of the gripping protuberances being attached
to and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second
lateral edge.
12. The support assembly according to claim 8, further including at
least one of the gripping protuberances being attached to and
extending outwardly from the outer surface of the rear edge.
13. The support assembly according to claim 8, further including at
least one of the gripping protuberances being attached to and
extending outwardly from the outer surface of the first lateral
edge and at least one of the gripping protuberances being attached
to and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second
lateral edge.
14. The support assembly according to claim 9, wherein the toe
receivers are formed by bends in the first and second lateral
edges.
15. The support assembly according to claim 14, wherein the bends
of the toe receivers each form angles being less than
160.degree..
16. The support assembly according to claim 9, the front edge has a
notch therein, the notch being configured to receive a post.
17. The support assembly according to claim 16, further including a
post being attached to the platform adjacent to the front edge, the
post extending upwardly from the platform, a cleat being attached
to the post adjacent to an upper end of the post, the cleat being
positioned on a front side of the post and being configured to
engage a surface of a tree, the post being pivotally coupled to the
platform and extending into the notch when the post is in a
vertical orientation extending upwardly from the platform.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application and I hereby
claim the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 120 of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 17/178,319 filed Feb. 18, 2021, which is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/022,756
filed Sep. 16, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/364,979 filed Mar. 26, 2019 and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/375,378 filed Apr. 4, 2019.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
[0004] INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A
COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING
SYSTEM.
[0005] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT
INVENTOR
[0006] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
[0007] The invention generally relates to tree stands used for
hunting purposes and more particularly those tree strands which are
not permanently fixed to a tree.
(2) Description of Related Art including information disclosed
under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.
[0008] The disclosure and prior art relates to tree stand devices
and more particularly pertains to a new tree stand device for
providing greater leverage and stability for a hunter while the
hunter is rotating their body relative to the tree stand. The
invention further includes embodiments having gripping
protuberances extending outwardly from an edge of platform to
enhance gripping of the platform along its perimeter edge.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented
above by generally comprising a platform for supporting a hunter
and which has a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a front
edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge.
The platform has a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer
surface positioned between the top and bottom surfaces. The first
and second lateral edges each include a front section abutting the
front edge and a rear section abutting the rear edge. The rear
section includes toe receiver. The toe receiver is formed by an
obtuse angle formed in the outer surface of the rear section,
wherein the obtuse angle is less than 160.degree.. The toe receiver
provides an engagement point for a hunter's foot as the hunter
rotates laterally away from the platform.
[0010] In another embodiment, the disclosure generally includes a
platform having a perimeter edge, wherein the perimeter edge
includes a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a
second lateral edge. The platform has a top surface, a bottom
surface and an outer surface positioned between the top and bottom
surfaces. A plurality of gripping protuberances extends outwardly
away from the outer surface of each of the first and second lateral
edges.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, disclosed herein is a platform
having a perimeter edge with a front edge, a rear edge, a first
lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The platform has a top
surface, a bottom surface and an outer surface positioned between
the top and bottom surfaces. The front edge is configured to engage
a tree. A plurality of gripping protuberances is attached to and
extends outwardly from the outer surface of the rear edge. The
gripping protuberances are configured to be engaged by a user for
stability when the user rotates relative to the platform.
[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0013] The objects of the disclosure, along with the various
features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed
out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part
of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0014] The disclosure will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of a tree stand platform
assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a rear exploded isometric view of an embodiment of
the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a rear, in-use isometric view of an embodiment of
the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new tree stand device embodying the
principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and
generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be
described.
[0022] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the tree stand
platform assembly 10 generally comprises a platform 12 that has a
perimeter edge 14 which includes a front edge 18, a rear edge 16, a
first lateral edge 20 and a second lateral edge 22. The platform 12
has a top surface 24, a bottom surface 26 and an outer surface 30
positioned between the top 24 and bottom 26 surfaces. As can be
seen in the Figures, the interior of the platform 12 may be
comprised of a framework 32 of webbing or interior supports. The
particular pattern is will not affect the structure, however, by
using a framework 32 instead of a solid material, the weight and
costs of construction of the platform 12 are reduced while
providing traction along the edges of the individual sections of
the framework 32. However, it should be understood that the
platform 12 could be comprised of a solid piece of material. The
platform 12 may be constructed from any conventional rigid building
material through metallic materials such aluminum alloys may be
preferred based on weight to strength ratios as well as cost of
materials. The platform 12 will typically have an overall greatest
length and width each being between about 10.0 inches and 25.0
inches and typically less than 20.0 inches. The platform will have
a height from the bottom surface 26 to the top surface 24 typically
less than 2.0 inches. The first 20 and second 22 lateral edges,
along with the front 18 and rear 16 edges form a unitary structure
with each other. Also, the platform may form a continuous unitary
structure starting from the front edge 18 and then extending along,
in order, the first lateral edge 20, the rear edge 16 and the
second lateral edge 22.
[0023] The first 20 and second 22 lateral edges each include a
front section 34 abutting the front edge 18 and a rear section 36
abutting the rear edge 16. The front sections 34 include at least
1/4 of the first 20 and second 22 lateral sections. As can be seen
best in FIG. 5, a length of the front edge 18, as measured along a
line extending between the first lateral edge 20 to the second
lateral edge 22, is shorter than the rear edge 16. The front
section 34, as it moves from the front edge 18 and toward the rear
edge 16 may be angled outwardly such that the front sections 34
taper outwardly as they travel away from the front edge 18.
Alternatively, the front sections 34 may be orientated
perpendicular to each other. FIG. 5 depicts the front sections 34
including a first portion 42, intersecting the front edge 18, being
angled more outwardly with respect to a second portion 44, though
this structure is not critical to the invention.
[0024] The rear section 36, of each of the first 20 and second 22
lateral sections includes a toe receiver 38. The toe receiver 38 is
formed by a bend 39, i.e. first bend, on the outer surface 30 which
forms an angle 40 in the outer surface having a measurement of less
than 160.degree.. Typically this angle 40 will measure from at
least 90.degree. and up to 160.degree.. The toe receiver 38 will
most often be positioned at the juncture of the top surface 24 and
the outer surface 30. The rear section 36 includes a continuation
of the second portion 44 as described above and shown in the
Figures. While the second portion 44 includes the bend 39, being an
outward bend, a second bend 41, being an inward bend, may be
positioned between the first 42 and second 44 portions. As a
concave, or inward bend, the second bend 41 will form an angle 43
on the outer surface 30 greater than 180.degree. and typically
between 190.degree. and 250.degree.. As can be seen in the Figures,
the first bend 39 may be positioned in the rear one-third of the
platform 12 while the second bend 41 may be in the front one-third
of the platform 12.
[0025] The first bend 39 defines a wing 48 that acts as the toe
receiver 38, or toe kick, that can be engaged by a person's foot as
they attempt to position their body around a tree 46. The wings 48
can extend outwardly from a remaining portion of the first 20 and
second 22 lateral edges any desired length but will typically be at
least 1.0 and less than 7.0 inches, as extension beyond this length
is unneeded.
[0026] A plurality of gripping protuberances 50 extends outwardly
away from the outer surface 30 of each of the first 20 and second
22 lateral edges. The gripping protuberances 50 are positioned on
each of the front 34 and rear 36 sections and in particular will
also be positioned along the toe receivers 38 and on either side of
the first bends 39. As can be seen in the Figures, the gripping
protuberances 50 are also found along the front edge 18 to assist
in frictionally engaging the surface of the tree 46. The gripping
protuberances 50 will further be positioned on the rear edge 16 of
the platform 12. This location prevents lateral slippage of a
user's footwear when the rear edge 16 is being used as a stabilizer
when the user is leaning rearwardly on the platform 12. The
gripping protuberances 50 form a unitary structure with the
perimeter edge 14 as can be seen in FIG. 3.
[0027] The positioning of the gripping protuberances 50 on the
outer surface 30 provides gripping for a hunter as a hunter rotates
their body relative to the platform 12. For example, when the
hunter is using the first 20 and second 22 lateral edges to
stabilize their body when pushing outwardly and laterally away from
the tree 46 and the platform 12, the gripping protuberances 50
prevent the hunter's footwear from sliding along the first 20 and
second lateral edges 22. To that end, the gripping protuberances 50
may be structured such that the gripping protuberances extend no
higher than a plane of the top surface 24, wherein the plane may be
defined as a planar surface or the combined highest points on the
top surface 24 should the top surface not be planar. Alternatively,
the gripping protuberances 50 may extend outwardly from the outer
surface 30 as well as upwardly from the outer surface 30 such that
they extend above the plane of the top surface 24. Generally,
however, it is the extension laterally away from the platform 24
which provides the advantages of these additional gripping
protuberances 50.
[0028] The front edge 18 includes a receiving notch 52 therein that
is spaced from the first 20 and second 22 lateral edges. As shown
in FIG. 3, the front edge 18 has a shape to partially receive the
trunk of a tree 46. The front edge 18 may include a first section
54 positioned between the first lateral edge 20 and the receiving
notch 52 and a second section 56 positioned between the second
lateral edge 22 and the receiving notch 52, wherein the first 54
and second 56 sections are angled inwardly from a respective one of
the first 20 and second 22 lateral edges toward the receiving notch
52. This forms V-shaped depression, leading to the notch 52, and
which can engage the tree 46 as shown in FIG. 6. Angles 57 formed
on the outer surface 30 by the intersection of the first lateral
edge 20 and first section 54 and the intersection of the second
lateral edge 22 and second section 22 are greater than 200.degree.
and may be as great as 330.degree..
[0029] A post 58 is attached to the platform 12 adjacent to the
front edge 18. The post 58 extends upwardly from the platform 12. A
cleat 60 is attached to the post 58 adjacent to an upper end 62 of
the post 58 and is positioned on a front side 64 of the post 58.
The cleat 60 is configured to engage a surface of the tree 46. The
post 58 is pivotally coupled to the panel 12 and extends into the
notch when the post 58 is in a vertical orientation extending
upwardly from the platform 12. A hold 66 is attached to the post
58. The hold 66 may be knobbed shaped and is configured to engage a
strap 68 extendable around the tree 46 and forming an attachment
point for the strap 68 on the post 58. The hold 66 is positioned on
a rear side 70 of the post 58. The notch 52, post 58, hold 66 and
strap 68 are part of a conventional mounting system used for
mounting the platform 12 to the tree 46. However, different,
conventional mounts may be used with the platform 12 to perform the
same function. Thus, the platform 12 may be attached to any mount
removably attached to a tree 46 such that some configurations will
not require the front edge 18 to be configured to engage the tree
46.
[0030] In use, the platform 12 is mounted in a tree 46 as shown in
FIG. 6 and as described above. A hunter will stand on the platform
12, typically while wearing a harness, and use the platform 12 to
allow for adjustment of their body position relative to the tree
46. The harness will typically extend from below the buttocks to
the lower back so that the hunter is "sitting" in the harness and
is able to swing/rotate their body relative to the tree 46 to allow
for getting a shot off in any direction. When bow hunting, a hunter
will require a larger area of space in front and behind them
movements required while aiming. For example, when shooting behind
their location, i.e. in the direction extending outwardly and
rearwardly away from the rearward edge 16, will rotate to face away
from the tree 46 and move laterally to the tree 46 depending on the
direction they want to execute a shot and somewhat on whether they
are right or left handed. While rotating and preparing to release
their arrow, the platform 12 is used for stabilization purposes.
The toe receiver 38 ensures that the hunter's foot will not slide
along and off of the first 20 or second 22 lateral edges and
provides an indentation "stop" or toe kick to achieve a greater
amount of leverage as the hunter pushes back from the platform 12
while their shoulder is positioned lateral to and possibly abutting
the tree 46. Without the toe receiver 38 the hunter is more limited
in how far laterally they may position their body and still
maintain the stability required to effectively use a bow. The
gripping protuberances 50 on the first lateral 20, second lateral
22, and rear 16 edges enhance the grip between the user's foot
(i.e. generally their footwear) and the platform 12. The gripping
protuberances 50 on the first 20 and second 22 lateral edges
prevent the footwear from sliding forwardly or rearwardly along the
first 20 and second 22 lateral edges, respectively, and enhance the
traction of the toe receivers 38. The gripping protuberances 50 on
the rear edge 16, in particular, prevent the footwear from sliding
laterally along the rear edge 16 when the user's feet are driving
into the rear edge 16 as they lean backwardly and laterally away
from the tree 46.
[0031] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations
in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation,
assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one
skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0032] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent
document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense
to mean that items following the word are included, but items not
specifically mentioned are not excluded.
[0033] A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does
not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is
present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one
of the elements.
* * * * *